POSITION: Postdoctoral Position, Host-Microbe Interactions and Stem Cell Biology Aedes aegypti
DESCRIPTION: A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Nicolas Buchon at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA), for a highly motivated candidate to study host-microbe interactions, epithelial dynamics and stem cell biology in Aedes aegypti. The research project, funded by NIH (R01-AI148529), will use a combination of omics (transcriptomics, epigenomics, single cell omics), functional genetics (transgenesis, CRISPR), microbiology and imaging to study how microbes and parasites influence epithelial dynamics in the mosquito midgut. Our project will cover studies involving a broad range of microbes including bacteria (pathogens and microbiota), plasmodium as well as viruses. This project is expected to contribute to the advancement of a molecular and cellular understanding of the mosquito midgut and reveal new aspects of its interaction with microbes. The studies will open new inroads for future research, with relevance to resistance and tolerance of mosquitoes to the disease they transmit.
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have (or be close to earning) a Ph.D in vector biology, molecular or cellular biology, immunology / microbiology / host-microbe interactions, stem cell biology or a related biological discipline, be self-motivated, and have excellent communication (verbal and written English) and organizational skills. Solid molecular biology skills, and experience with omics are required. Strong interest in functional genetic approaches and the development of tools required to take these approaches is highly desired. Candidates with a strong expertise in vector biology, host-microbe interactions or stem cell biology will be preferred. Applicants should have a strong interest and experience in mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Applications from candidates should be sent by email to Professor Nicolas Buchon at nicolas.buchon@cornell.edu. Please include a CV, statement of research experiences and interests, and contact information for three or four referees. The cover letter should include an explanation of how your qualifications and experiences make you a good candidate for this position. Informal inquiries are welcome. Consideration of applications will begin immediately.
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POSITION: Postdoctoral Researcher - Phenological Forecasting
DESCRIPTION: Applicants are invited to apply for a postdoctoral position to develop phenological models in support of ongoing efforts to create a continental-scale forecast of mosquito activity. This project includes (1) developing predictive models of seasonality of mosquito species representative of specific life-history strategies and (2) implementing these models to generate real-time and short-term forecasts of mosquito activity as well as predictions of future changes in seasonal patterns of mosquito activity. This position is supported through funding from a US Geological Service Powell Center grant. Anticipated start date: October 1, 2020 (24 months of funding). Job responsibilities include the following:
- Integrate and synthesize large-scale mosquito monitoring datasets with environmental data (temperature, rainfall, hydrology) and the extensive literature on mosquito life-history-climate functional responses to model specific phenometrics (to be selected in conjunction with stakeholder communities and working group).
- Generate predictive relationships between climate variability and mosquito phenology at a macro-ecological scale.
- Implement these models to generate real-time and short-term forecasts of mosquito activity as well as predictions of future changes in seasonal patterns of mosquito activity.
- Effectively communicate and interact with scientists to define the requirements of the simulations and models. Obtain necessary input data for simulations and provide meaningful interpretation of modeling results to guide development of a continental-scale forecast of mosquito phenology.
- Disseminate knowledge through publications in technical journals and presentations at conferences, symposia, and review meetings. Provide reports on technical work and input to peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
- Collaborate with a working group and project investigators to plan and design projects, determine technical objectives, and interact with and provide regular project reports to a government client (USGS Powell Center).
- Organize and facilitate two USGS Powell Center workshops in collaboration with working group leads
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a Ph. D. graduate in Ecology, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Applied Math, or a related field. Additional required qualifications include:
- A strong publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, with at least one first author publication
- Demonstrated experience communicating results at national or international conferences
- Ability to work independently and in teams to deliver high-quality results within aggressive timelines.
- Strong background in ecological forecasting; fluent in numerical methods, statistics, and/or Bayesian analysis
- Familiarity with model development and/or population modelling
- Fluency in Python or R
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with high performance and/or cloud computing, linux shells, and GPU usage
- Experience with collaborative coding and version control systems (e.g. GitHub)
- Development of end-user applications of models
- Exposure to phenological data
- Familiarity with integrating disparate datasets that collected by variety of agencies
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Please send position inquiries to Katherine LeVan, PhD, Insect Ecologist / Biorepository Scientist, National Ecological Observatory Network, klevan@BattelleEcology.org.
POSITION: Postdoctoral Position, Population Genomics of Range Expansion and Adaptation
DESCRIPTION: A postdoctoral position is available in the Armbruster lab at Georgetown University to study the population genomics of range expansion and climatic adaptation in the invasive mosquito, Aedes albopictus. The focus of the project is to: 1) use whole-genome sequence data to determine the evolutionary history of the world-wide range expansion of Aedes albopictus, 2) develop genomic tools to rapidly identify the origin of new invasive populations, and 3) identify the genetic basis of life-history adaptation across the species range. The project will leverage historical data and samples to identify allochronic evolutionary changes at both the molecular and phenotypic level. This is a collaborative project with Gisella Caccone’s lab at Yale that will involve extensive interaction between the research teams at Georgetown and Yale. The position will also include an opportunity to develop additional research projects. The initial appointment will be for one year, with extension for an additional 1.5 years based on excellent performance. Starting salary will be approximately $49,000 per year with benefits. The start date is flexible, but sometime in October thru December of 2020 would be ideal.
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates should have completed their PhD in evolutionary biology or a related discipline with a demonstrated record of research productivity and publication. The project will involve substantial insect husbandry, molecular biology and bioinformatics analyses. Candidates with expertise in two of these three areas will be given preference, and a desire to work in all three areas is essential.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin July 1st, 2020, and continue until the position has been filled. Applicants should submit the following material to Peter Armbruster (paa9@georgetown.edu) with “postdoc application” in the subject line: 1) A CV including names and contact information of three references, and 2) A one-page research statement describing previous accomplishments and long-term goals. Informal inquiries prior to submission of a full application are encouraged.
